Archaeologists in southern Italy have discovered an ancient burial that likely belonged to a priestess of the Greek goddess of fertility Demeter, infohub.kz reports.
The find was made in the ruins of the ancient city of Manduria, where the Messapian tribes lived between the 4th and 3rd centuries BC. The tomb, designated number 17, was found next to 23 other burials from the same period. The burial was sealed with three large stone slabs bearing inscriptions in the local Messapian language.
Inside, archaeologists found frescoes in the classical Greek style, an image of a key to a sanctuary, and traces of use of an incense burner. According to experts, these details indicate that a woman who held a high priestly position in the cult of Demeter was buried here.
The discovery changes historians' understanding of relations between local tribes and Greek colonists. Previously it was believed that the Messapians and Greeks were mostly hostile, and in 338 BC locals even killed the Spartan king Archidamus III. The new find proves that the inhabitants of Manduria adopted Greek religious rites.
After restoration, the artifacts are planned to be displayed at the Archaeological Museum of Manduria.